The Warriors will return the NBA’s best starting five in 2023-24, barring a surprise move to keep Chris Paul off the bench, though they will replace some players after their second-round exit in the playoffs.
Jordan Poole is clearly at the top of that list. Whether it’s pundits trying to predict the future of what will happen the first time Poole plays for the Warriors, or even ‘NBA 2K24’ teasing us all with Draymond Green guarding his former teammate in video game trailer, everyone is looking forward to the return of the dynamic young guard. Poole isn’t the only one returning.
With just over a week left in August, the Warriors will welcome six players from last season’s team back to the Chase Center next season, and that number could increase. JaMychal Green played 57 regular-season games for the Warriors last season, averaging 14.0 minutes and 6.4 points per game, but the nine-year veteran is currently a free agent. Anthony Lamb played a bigger role than expected last season as a two-way player who was converted at the end of last season, playing 62 games and averaging 19.3 minutes and 6.7 points.
He also remains on the open market as Golden State still has two open roster spots.
Here’s when six players from last season’s Warriors team who are on NBA rosters this season will be playing in front of Dub Nation again next season.
Jerome
November 11 against the Cleveland Cavaliers
Jerome was the Warriors’ other two-way player last season, and like Lamb, he also made a bigger contribution than what was seen on the outside. He played in 45 games (the second most of his career) and averaged 18.1 minutes per game (also the second most of his career). Jerome is a stronger shooter with 48.8/38.9/92.7 shooting splits and is trusted with smarts on the ball.
The 26-year-old point guard averaged 3.0 assists and 0.7 turnovers on a team that plays like turning the ball over is the goal of the game. His 4.5 assist-to-turnover ratio made him a favorite of coach Steve Kerr and that’s why the Warriors are interested in bringing him back. But the Cavs’ two-year contract with $5 million in guaranteed money was an offer the Warriors couldn’t match, and one Jerome made the mistake of refusing.
Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. replaced Jerome with veteran Cory Joseph this offseason to become the Warriors’ third point guard. Joseph is entering his 13th season, and his 4.6 assist to turnover ratio was fourth in the NBA last season.
The Warriors will also face Jerome and the Cavs in Cleveland at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Nov. 5, three games before Jerome and Co. arrive in San Francisco.
Jordan Poole, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Ryan Rollins
December 22 against the Washington Wizards
There are no two ways about it: This is one. It’s not the season opener, Christmas or any other holiday. But it’s the Warriors game that people circle on their calendars the loudest and the boldest — physically and digitally.
What else can be said about Poole’s return? Hey, click it for more of that! The truth is, Poole was the third leading scorer (20.4 points per game) for the Warriors last season at the age of 23, and his incredible talent is undeniable. If the Warriors are struggling heading into Dec. 22 and Poole is coming off a season where he hasn’t been punched in the face by a teammate during training camp, fans will have questions.
His return is not just about him. Baldwin and Rollins, the top two picks of the Warriors in the 2022 NBA Draft, were also committed to Washington.
From a pure basketball standpoint, getting rid of Baldwin so soon would be shocking. He’s 6-foot-10 (at least), can fly it, is a former top recruit and the Warriors love his basketball IQ. Golden State is also very high on Rollins in the 2022 draft, spending $2 million to trade and get Rollins in the second round. A foot injury unfortunately derailed his career before it began. Their developments won’t receive as much attention as Poole’s, but both are worth keeping an eye on.
The Warriors will also face the Wizards on the road at Capital One Arena on February 27.
James Wiseman
Jan. 5 against the Detroit Pistons
James Wiseman’s time with the Warriors didn’t really work out, for both parties. He likes everything and put to work. His body and fit in Kerr’s system didn’t match up, and there were too many obstacles in the way.
The chapter ended at the trade deadline last season when the Warriors sent Wiseman to the Pistons as part of a multi-team deal. After missing the entire 2021-22 season due to injury, Wiseman in his second season played 21 games for the Warriors and 24 as a member of the Pistons. In his 21 games with the Warriors, he only played 12.5 minutes and averaged 6.9 points and 3.5 rebounds on 4.5 shots per game.
But in Detroit, Wiseman received more opportunities after moving to rebuild the Pistons team. Wiseman averaged 25.2 minutes in the 24 games he played and produced 12.7 points and 8.1 rebounds on 10.2 shots per game.
Wiseman’s overall plus/minus was minus-107 as a Warrior last season, an average of minus-5.1 per game. His overall plus/minus for the Pistons was minus-226, averaging minus-9.4 per game.
Golden State heads to Detroit to play the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Nov. 6, the eighth game of the season.
Donte DiVincenzo
March 18 against the New York Knicks
Even when the Warriors signed DiVincenzo to a two-year contract in free agency last summer, it was clear that he might only play in The City for one year. DiVincenzo’s second year of his contract is a player option, making him the latest to cash out after playing for the Warriors.
And he cashed out. DiVincenzo, 26, signed a four-year, $50 million ($47 million guaranteed) contract with the Knicks to form the ultimate Villanova reunion. He was everything the Warriors wanted him to be in his solo season.
DiVincenzo’s versatility shines, playing point guard, shooting guard and even small forward. Back at full health, he averaged 9.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game. DiVincenzo also shot a career-best 39.7 percent from 3-point range, a season after making just 33.9 percent of his attempts. Kerr will replace him between the combination of Gary Payton II and Moses Moody next season.
The Warriors will celebrate a leap year by playing the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 29.
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